FRSC Deploys 30,000 Personnel for Eid-el-Kabir Patrol

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced a nationwide special patrol operation ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The corps has deployed more than 30,000 personnel, including regular officers and special marshals, to ensure safer roads and smooth movement of travelers across the country. This massive deployment isn't just about numbers - it's about making a real difference on the roads.

The special operations, which began on May 25 and will continue until May 31, 2026, are aimed at reducing road crashes, traffic congestion, fatalities, and other highway emergencies usually associated with increased vehicular movement during festive periods. The operations won't just focus on one area - they'll cover a wide range of issues.

But what exactly does this operation entail? The Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, says the operations will focus on ensuring free flow of traffic, management of identified black spots, quick emergency response, prompt clearance of obstructions, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations on major highways nationwide. They'll also make sure that traffic laws are enforced strictly.

The FRSC has also disclosed that patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, motorcycles, radar guns, breathalysers, and other operational equipment have already been deployed to strategic locations across the federation. All Zonal Commanding Officers, Sector Commanders, and Unit Commanders have been directed to sustain aggressive visibility patrols and ensure full operational coverage throughout the exercise. They're expected to be visible and active throughout the period.

Enforcement will target offences such as excessive speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, lane indiscipline, use of mobile phones while driving, operation of mechanically deficient vehicles, expired tyres, and passenger manifest violations. Mobile courts won't be limited to specific areas - they'll operate nationwide during the period to facilitate speedy prosecution of traffic offenders. Emergency rescue teams have been placed on maximum alert, and they're ready to respond quickly to any emergencies.

The corps has identified major corridors for intensive patrol, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi route, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos highway, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu road, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos expressway, Makurdi-Otukpo-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri axis, and the Okene-Ogori-Owo route. These routes are critical, and the FRSC won't neglect them.

The FRSC will collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, military formations, and emergency medical service providers to strengthen traffic management and emergency response during the festive period. They won't work alone - they'll work with other agencies to achieve their goals.

'Road users should cooperate with personnel deployed on highways,' Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed urged. 'Motorists shouldn't drive recklessly - they should avoid excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, night travel, and overloading.' He also advised road users to make use of the FRSC emergency number 122 and National Traffic Radio 107.1FM to report emergencies.

In a related development, a Federal High Court has dismissed a ₦950 million fundamental rights suit filed against the FRSC. The suit, marked FHC/PH/FHR/447/2022, was instituted by Barrister Osita Nnadozie against the FRSC Sector Commander in Rivers State and eight others. The court didn't find any evidence to support the applicant's claims.

The court ruled that the applicant failed to provide credible evidence proving any violation of his fundamental rights and subsequently dismissed the case for lack of merit. The matter stemmed from an enforcement operation conducted on October 2, 2022, along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road at Elele, where the applicant was intercepted for alleged seatbelt violation and failure to stop for lawful checks. The applicant didn't comply with traffic laws, and he was stopped by FRSC personnel.

The FRSC stated that evidence presented before the court showed that the applicant allegedly accelerated toward an FRSC marshal during the operation, forcing the officer to jump into a nearby bush before the applicant was later apprehended and booked for traffic offences. The applicant's actions weren't justified, and the court considered this when making its ruling.

The court considered allegations surrounding the applicant’s presence at the Isiokpo Unit Command premises after official working hours on October 5, 2022, where he was reportedly found taking photographs before being handed over to the police for identification and profiling. The applicant's actions raised suspicions, and the court took this into account.

The FRSC's legal team successfully demonstrated that the actions of personnel were lawful, professional, and guided by security and safety considerations. The applicant had sought damages totaling ₦950,006,161.25 against the FRSC and other respondents, but all claims were dismissed after the court reviewed submissions from the parties. The FRSC's personnel didn't act wrongly, and the court agreed with this.

Reacting to the judgment, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed reaffirmed the FRSC's commitment to professionalism, fairness, respect for human rights, and the safety of road users. He warned against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations, saying that the FRSC won't tolerate such actions.

As the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations approach, the FRSC's deployment of personnel and equipment is a welcome move. It's a move that'll ensure safer roads and smoother travel for all. With the corps' commitment to professionalism and safety, road users can look forward to a more secure and enjoyable festive period. The FRSC's efforts won't go unnoticed - they'll make a real difference.

The FRSC's collaboration with other agencies is also a positive development. It's a development that'll strengthen traffic management and emergency response during the festive period. By working together, these agencies can help reduce the risk of road crashes and other emergencies. They can provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all road users.

The corps continues to work towards reducing road crashes and ensuring safer roads. It's clear that their efforts are paying off. With the deployment of personnel and equipment, the FRSC is sending a strong message. They're committed to making the roads safer for everyone.

The importance of this operation can't be overstated. There's an increase in vehicular movement during festive periods, and the risk of road crashes and other emergencies also increases. By deploying personnel and equipment to strategic locations, the FRSC is taking proactive steps. They're mitigating this risk and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for all road users.

In the end, the success of this operation will depend on the cooperation of all road users. Road users should follow traffic regulations and respect the personnel deployed on the highways. They should make use of the FRSC emergency number 122 and National Traffic Radio 107.1FM to report emergencies. By working together, they can ensure a safer and more enjoyable festive period for everyone. The FRSC won't be able to do it alone - they need the help of road users.